Key West Half Marathon & Runfest Announce New Lil’ Pecker Challenge

September 19, 2024

Participants of the challenge will complete a 5K, 8K and 10K all in one weekend

KEY WEST, Fla. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Key West Half Marathon & Runfest has announced the addition of the Lil Pecker Challenge to its 2025 event taking place on Jan. 17-19. Participants who take on the challenge will complete the event’s 5K, 8K and 10K distances all within the same weekend. Those who participate in the Lil’ Pecker Challenge will be awarded three medals for the three distances completed, as well as the first-ever Lil’ Pecker Hat to mark their multi-event finish. Registration for the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is currently open, and almost 3,000 people have already registered for this year’s race weekend.

Earlier this year, the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest debuted the Big Pecker Challenge, which includes participating in the 5K, 10K and half marathon over the weekend. The Lil’ Pecker Challenge has been created for those who are interested in challenging themselves to multiple events over the weekend, but are looking for less mileage.

The names of the two challenges are rooted in the wild roosters that roam Key West, and have been coined by the locals as “peckers”. These “peckers” can be found running throughout the town on any given day, and are often seen wandering around the courses at the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest.

“When we introduced the Big Pecker Challenge earlier this year, we were thrilled with the positive response it received. That made us think, why not add another challenge?” said Barbara Wright, race director and founder of the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest. “We wanted to make sure that the new challenge was just as exciting, but allowed for those who wanted to take on less distance to still take part. We are so excited for all these new additions this year that are sure to enhance the participant experience. That’s what the Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is all about!”

The 5K and 10K will take place the day before the 8K on Jan. 18, giving participants a night to recover before completing the challenge with the 8K on Jan. 19. The start times of the 5K and 10K are set so that participants can easily finish one race before the next race kicks off. The 5K and 10K will both start at Higgs Beach and take participants along scenic waterfront paths, while the 8K course will weave participants through historical Old Town Key West. The various courses throughout race weekend provide a unique experience that has led to the event being rated a Top 10 Half Marathon by USA Today.

Following the 8K and half marathon both taking place on Jan. 19, will be the Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll and Key West Beach N’ Beer Mile. The Papa’s Pilar Rum Stroll takes participants across eight popular Old Town Key West locations. At each location, participants would stop and enjoy a Papa’s Pilar Rum Drink before venturing onto the next location. The Beach N’ Beer Mile will take participants on a four-loop course run at the southernmost beach in the United States.

The 2024 Key West Half Marathon and Runfest attracted more than 3900 participants, some traveling from as far as Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Australia. Registration for the 2025 event is open, and is expected to attract even more participants.

For more information about the Key West Half Marathon, please visit www.keywesthalfmarathon.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

About Key West Half Marathon & Runfest

The Key West Half Marathon is renowned for its beautiful course, which winds through historic landmarks, lively streets and Key West’s waterfront. With its vibrant atmosphere, enthusiastic spectators and well-organized event, the race attracts participants of all levels from all 50 States and 37 countries on average. Participants can expect a fun race experience, complete with top-notch amenities, unique race shirts and finisher medals, entertainment on the course, professional timing and a festive post-race celebration including food, beverages and concerts.

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